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Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp
Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp
Surrounded by red pines and hardwoods, this charming rustic campground offers excellent opportunities for paddling and trout fishing. Located along the Upper Manistee River, visitors can walk a narrow footpath along the water's edge and access the river from many points throughout the campground. A staircase in the center of the campground leads down to the river, or access is available by taking the footpath adjacent to site #16. There is a large group-use area near the river for paddle-in or walk-in camping. Parking for the walk-in sites is located a quarter mile southeast of the main campground entrance. There are 30 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use.
The campground is located 7.7 miles southwest of Frederic via County Road 612 and Goose Creek Road.
What to expect, finding a site
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
- No reservations. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are vault toilets.
- Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
- No electrical available.
- Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.
- Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
- One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
Rates, dates and more
Recreation Passport required
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
Operating dates and amenities
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
State forest campground info
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Fishing
Group-use area
Hunting
Paddle-in campsite
Paddling
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Walk-in campsites
Water access
Winter camping
Fishing
Brown, brook and rainbow trout are caught in the Manistee River. A nearby fishing opportunity is Lake Margrethe (8 miles south).
Group-use area
There is a large paddle-in/walk-in group-use area near the river on the northeast side of the campground.
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
Paddle-in campsite
There is a group-use camping area accessible from the Manistee River for canoe camping.
Paddling
Explore the Manistee River from the campground. There is a parking area with space for four vehicles in the campground near site # 5. The walk from the parking area to the river is about 50 yards.
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Walk-in campsites
There is a large paddle-in/walk-in group-use area near the river located on the southeast side of the campground.
Water access
This rustic campground is located along the Manistee River.
Winter camping
This rustic campground is open all year; however, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.